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PharmD Students Gain a Global Health Advantage

UW–Madison School of Pharmacy’s extensive international offerings give students unique global experience

In some areas of the world, the role of a pharmacist can be completely unlike what we see here in the U.S. For example, in England, pharmacists can prescribe medications, and in China, physicians more commonly can dispense medications without a pharmacist’s aid, changing pharmacists’ health care role.

To broaden the context and offer valuable perspectives in global health for future pharmacists, the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Pharmacy’s PharmD program includes a breadth of unique experiential learning for students at all levels. First- and second-years can participate in international summer programs or service learning opportunities, and fourth-year PharmD students can use an international rotation as one of their eight Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs), required for graduation.

“The range of opportunities we offer in so many countries really sets UW–Madison School of Pharmacy apart from other pharmacy schools,” says Mara Kieser, assistant dean of experiential education and professor in the Pharmacy Practice Division. “I’m not sure of any other schools that have as many global opportunities as we do. It’s exciting to be able to offer, and the students are excited to be able to learn and study abroad in pharmacy.”